To Wang Zhaoxiang and Others[1]

(October 30, 1937)

Pay very close attention to the discipline of the troops. No matter how great the difficulties, do not arbitrarily take even a single blade of grass or a single piece of wood from the workers and peasants. Conduct an admonitory talk once every day before setting out.

[1] This is the main content of a telegram from Mao Zedong to Wang Zhaoxiang and others, with a copy to the Eighth Route Army Headquarters and the 120th Division. Wang Zhaoxiang was then serving as the commander of the Engineer Battalion directly under the 120th Division of the Eighth Route Army, garrisoned in the Shenfu area.